12 Best Things to Do in Korça, Albania (2025)

At the heart of Korçë lies its most enchanting quarter — the Old Bazaar, or Pazari i Vjetër. Once a lively Ottoman marketplace, it dates back to the 15th century when merchants traded spices, silks, and handmade goods along its cobblestone lanes. After years of neglect, the bazaar has been lovingly restored, its stone arches and red-roofed buildings now gleaming in the mountain light. Walking through it feels like stepping into another era, one where history lingers in every brick and echo.

Today, the Old Bazaar has found new life as the city’s social hub. Cafés spill out onto sun-drenched terraces, artisans sell handmade jewelry and leather goods, and the air fills with the aroma of fresh coffee and baked pastries. On weekends, street performers and musicians bring a festive rhythm, transforming the bazaar into an open-air stage of local culture. It’s especially magical in the evening, when soft lighting and laughter from wine bars create a timeless atmosphere.

Don’t rush your visit here — sit at a corner café, order a glass of local wine, and watch the world drift by. The Old Bazaar isn’t just a place to shop; it’s a living expression of Korçë’s revival, where tradition and creativity intertwine to create something quietly extraordinary.

The National Museum of Medieval Art is Korçë’s cultural soul — a luminous space that houses one of the most significant collections of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art in the Balkans. Its sleek, modern architecture contrasts beautifully with the ancient treasures inside: over 7,000 icons, frescoes, and religious relics spanning the 13th to 19th centuries. The gallery lighting seems to breathe life into gold leaf halos and intricate brushwork, revealing stories of faith and artistry that shaped Albania’s spiritual identity.

Wandering through its serene halls feels almost meditative. You’ll encounter works by celebrated Albanian iconographers such as Onufri and Kostandin Shpataraku, whose bold colors and expressive figures elevated sacred art into something profoundly human. Each icon is more than an object of devotion — it’s a window into centuries of resilience, painted by hands that kept culture alive through empires and upheaval.

Even if you’re not an art historian, this museum will move you. It captures the essence of Albanian heritage — a blend of Eastern mysticism and local craftsmanship — and leaves visitors with a deep appreciation for the beauty that endures when time and faith intertwine.

Standing tall in the city center, the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral dominates Korçë’s skyline with its twin bell towers and grand domes. Completed in 1995, it was built on the site of the smaller St. George Cathedral, which was demolished during Albania’s communist regime. Its rebirth mirrors the country’s own journey from suppression to spiritual renewal — a symbol of faith, identity, and endurance.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a sanctuary bathed in golden light. The interior glows with vivid frescoes and shimmering chandeliers, while the gentle scent of incense fills the air. Whether you come to pray, reflect, or simply admire its artistry, the cathedral offers a sense of calm rarely found in busy cities. Climb to the upper gallery or bell tower, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over Korçë — a panorama of red-tiled rooftops against the deep green of the Morava Mountains.

It’s particularly striking at sunset, when the last light of day illuminates the façade in warm tones of amber and rose. As the bells ring out over the city, you begin to understand why Korçë inspires such devotion — not just religious, but emotional and artistic, too.

If Korçë has a heartbeat, it might just be fueled by Birra Korça — Albania’s oldest and most beloved beer. Founded in 1928, the Korçë Beer Factory is more than a brewery; it’s a source of pride for the city. Here, the crisp mountain water, local barley, and decades of craftsmanship come together to produce the iconic golden lager that’s enjoyed across the country.

A guided tour takes you through the entire brewing process — from fermentation tanks to bottling lines — before ending, delightfully, in the tasting room. There’s something special about sipping a freshly poured beer right at its birthplace, with views of the surrounding hills. Locals often stop by for a casual pint, and it’s easy to find yourself in conversation with friendly staff who take genuine joy in their craft.

If you happen to visit in August, don’t miss the Korça Beer Festival, a vibrant four-day celebration of music, food, and community spirit. Streets fill with laughter and live bands, and the entire city seems to toast to life itself. It’s the perfect reminder that in Korçë, culture is best enjoyed with a good drink and even better company.

Every great city has its stage, and in Korçë, that stage is the Boulevard Shën Gjergji — the promenade where life unfolds in gentle rhythm. Flanked by tall trees and elegant façades, it stretches through the city’s center, inviting both locals and visitors to join the beloved evening ritual of xhiro — the slow, social stroll that defines Albanian evenings.

As twilight sets in, couples, families, and groups of friends fill the promenade, chatting, laughing, and savoring the cool mountain air. Street vendors sell roasted chestnuts and ice cream, while cafés brim with conversation over macchiatos and pastries. It’s not about where you’re going — it’s about being part of the flow, observing the graceful dance of daily life.

The promenade also leads to some of the city’s most notable landmarks, including the cathedral and several cultural centers. Whether you join the evening stroll or simply find a terrace seat to watch it all pass by, this boulevard offers a glimpse into the heart of Korçë — sociable, stylish, and effortlessly alive.

In a handsome stone building near the city center, the National Education Museum tells the story of a nation’s awakening. This was once the First Albanian School, opened in 1887 — a revolutionary act during a time when the use of the Albanian language was forbidden under Ottoman rule. Walking through its wooden halls feels like stepping into a classroom of courage and conviction.

Exhibits display original textbooks, manuscripts, and portraits of the educators who defied censorship to teach in their mother tongue. The museum’s atmosphere is quietly inspiring — filled with echoes of chalk on slate and whispered lessons of freedom. Each artifact tells a story not just of education, but of identity and resilience.

As you leave, take a moment to look at the courtyard’s simple stone walls and imagine the voices that once filled them. The museum reminds visitors that progress often begins in small rooms with big dreams — and that Korçë’s influence on Albania’s cultural rebirth was far greater than its size might suggest.

A delightful surprise awaits on the outskirts of Korçë — the Bratko Oriental Art Museum, home to one of the most unexpected collections in Albania. Founded by Dhimitër Bratko, a diplomat and photographer who traveled widely across Asia, it houses paintings, textiles, and artifacts from Japan, China, India, and the Middle East.

The building itself feels like a fusion of East and West, blending modern lines with subtle Eastern motifs. Inside, silk scrolls, ceramics, and ancient weapons share space with Bratko’s evocative black-and-white photographs, which capture his journeys and friendships abroad. The result is a cultural mosaic — one that mirrors Korçë’s own openness and curiosity.

What makes this museum so special is not just its art, but its story: a local man who carried the world home with him. It’s a testament to the city’s cosmopolitan spirit and a reminder that art, like travel, connects us far beyond geography.

Inside the former Romanian House, a bright yellow building on St. George’s pedestrian boulevard, lies one of Korçë’s most fascinating cultural treasures — the Gjon Mili Photography Museum. Dedicated to the life and work of the legendary Albanian-American photographer, this intimate museum celebrates a hometown hero who became one of the great visual innovators of the 20th century. Mili, born in Korçë in 1904, emigrated to the United States where his groundbreaking experiments with light and motion would redefine modern photography.

Stepping inside feels like entering a world of illumination and imagination. The museum houses a large collection of Mili’s works — portraits, motion studies, and his iconic “light drawings,” created in collaboration with figures like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. These luminous images seem to dance on the walls, revealing how Mili captured not just form but energy itself. The galleries also showcase personal artifacts, letters, and vintage cameras, offering a window into his creative process and his friendships with some of the most celebrated artists of his time.

Visitors should note that the main entrance is around the corner from the boulevard, just off the walking street, where tickets are sold and guided tours begin. We recommend joining the tour — it includes an interactive section where guests can experiment with light and motion photography. Start your visit on the top floor to learn about Mili’s life and legacy before descending to view his most famous works. The entire experience takes about 45 minutes and is a highlight of any Korçë itinerary — a reminder that even in this quiet Albanian city, global artistry found its spark.

Few pleasures in Korçë compare to its food — hearty, flavorful, and deeply tied to the land. The region’s cuisine reflects its mountain climate and multicultural influences, from Ottoman spices to Balkan comfort dishes. Start with lakror, a flaky layered pie filled with spinach, leeks, or cheese, baked to golden perfection in stone ovens. Pair it with tavë Korçe, a savory lamb-and-yogurt casserole that warms both stomach and soul.

Dining in Korçë is as much about atmosphere as it is about taste. In the Old Bazaar, rustic taverns hum with conversation, their tables laden with grilled meats, local cheeses, and pitchers of house wine. Waiters greet you like family, and time seems to slow as laughter and music fill the night air.

Don’t leave without trying petulla (fried dough) for breakfast, or the city’s famed Birra Korça, served ice-cold alongside a plate of olives and fresh bread. Every meal here tells a story — of seasons, traditions, and a community that still finds joy in gathering around the table.

Just 20 kilometers west of Korçë lies Voskopoja, a mountain village that feels like a step back in time. Once one of the Balkans’ great cultural centers, it flourished in the 18th century as a hub of learning and art, home to printing presses, scholars, and 24 ornate churches. Though much of its former grandeur was lost to fire and invasion, the spirit of Voskopoja endures in its surviving frescoes and quiet streets.

Today, the village is a haven for those seeking peace and authenticity. You can wander through meadows to visit ancient churches like St. Nicholas and St. Athanasius, their walls covered in vivid frescoes that glow even in shadow. The surrounding hills are ideal for hiking or simply breathing in the crisp mountain air.

Local guesthouses offer simple comforts — warm bread, homemade raki, and stories by the fireplace. Visiting Voskopoja is more than a day trip; it’s an immersion into the soul of old Albania, where time slows and history feels close enough to touch.

Rising just east of the city, Morava Mountain offers an escape into nature within minutes of Korçë’s urban charm. Trails weave through pine forests and meadows, leading to breathtaking viewpoints over the plateau and the city below. It’s the perfect place for morning hikes or late-afternoon picnics, especially in spring when wildflowers paint the hillsides.

At the base of the mountain lies Parku i Moravës, a popular spot for families and couples. Wooden benches line the trails, and in summer, locals come here to picnic under the shade of oak trees. The air feels cooler, cleaner — a refreshing contrast to the bustle of the bazaar.

In winter, a light snow often blankets the slopes, turning the mountain into a peaceful retreat. Whether you hike, rest, or simply gaze at the panorama, Morava reminds you how effortlessly nature and city coexist in Korçë — each complementing the other in perfect balance.

Just an hour’s drive north of Korçë lies one of Europe’s most breathtaking natural wonders — Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared between Albania and North Macedonia. The journey itself is part of the experience: winding roads rise and fall through green hills before revealing sweeping views of the lake’s shimmering expanse, cradled by mountains that seem to touch the sky. It’s a peaceful escape from the city and a chance to see why this ancient lake has captivated travelers, poets, and painters for centuries.

On the Albanian side, the lakeside town of Pogradec offers a laid-back charm that perfectly complements Korçë’s sophistication. Its promenade stretches along the water, lined with cafés and small restaurants where you can enjoy freshly grilled koran, the lake’s endemic trout. The rhythm here is slow and soothing — locals pedal bicycles along the shore, families picnic under weeping willows, and the gentle sound of waves mingles with laughter. Take a dip in the clear waters during summer or simply relax with a book as the afternoon light turns the lake silver and gold.

For the adventurous, it’s easy to cross into North Macedonia and visit the historic town of Ohrid, famous for its Byzantine churches and cobbled old town. Boat tours connect the two shores, gliding past monasteries and hidden coves that seem unchanged by time. Whether you spend a few quiet hours by the water or a full day exploring both sides, Lake Ohrid offers a sense of calm and continuity — a fitting end to your journey through Korçë, where every view feels like a postcard and every moment seems suspended between mountain and sky.